1961 Abarth 700 vs. 1997 Caterham C21
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Abarth 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Abarth 700 would be higher. At 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 700. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Caterham C21 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1961 Abarth 700. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1997 Caterham C21 (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 700. (61 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 700 | 1997 Caterham C21 | |
| Make | Abarth | Caterham |
| Model | 700 | C21 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 745 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3600 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2260 mm |
